Sweethart Coffee & Cake in County Durham

I'm sorry to say that this place is not what it was. Years ago, it used to be great, lovely quality stuff. We ate lunch here today. Breakfast hash; potato scone and bacon and egg; salt and pepper chips wrap; ham sandwich and chips. 4 drinks. We bought 4 cakes to take away. Total bill, £55. The cakes were nice, that's the positive. Other than that, I think the 2 breakfast dishes we had were very overpriced for the quantity we got. £9 for the breakfast hash, which I didn't care for at all. Probably contained 1 sausage, a couple of rashers of bacon. It was greasy and unpleasant. Very unimpressed overall and simply won't go back. Such a shame, because it used to be lovely.

OMG, what has happened to this great place went to collect an order today of there finest bread decided to buy some cakes for the family for a treat asked for 2peices, of cake and a Trifle was asked if I wanted trifle cake or trifle I said again Trifle, but alas when I opened the box what did I have bloody trifle cake 🍰, so can you please get your staff to listen to what customers ask for, apart from that no complaints.

Stale cheese scone, over peppered soup and bun covered in margarine (was not asked). Inedible, won't be back. Got take away and opened to eat at home or would have sent it back

Only been here twice. First time was a few years back. This time food was brilliant as it was last time. The girl that helped us was so polite Very helpful. Was always checking the food and service was OK and checking if we needed anything else. Steph was her name. We will be back again thank you

In the past, It may have received awards and accolades for its cakes and pastries, but of late it wouldn't merit any for its customer services or lack of it, most certainly as one female member of staff is concerned. What can only be seen as utter disrespect and total rudeness, with regards to the manner in which she has treated both my wife and I, over the past weeks. For some unknown, to us, but blatantly obvious reason to her, by her actions, has on four separate occasions over four weeks,.purposefully taken to not honour a reserved table booking request, which on this last occasion , the reservation was taken by her. On a previous occasion she said she thought the couple she let use the table would have left, that was after two hours? Last week after again she let the reserved table go, we were offered another table as long as we didn't stay too long? Not two hours then? On this last occasion, we walked in to see this member of staff serving at the table we reserved, looking up blankly at us, we just walked out, never to return. In old parlance we are regulars, loyal customers who have been going there for years. Even after Lockdown we made a concerted effort to support them, seeing other businesses fold, through lack of customers. In the past, we never reserved a table but was told it was much easier for them if we did, so we did. It appears others can reserve tables as is but for this member of staff we obviously, for some reason or other, don't qualify? Needless to say, we will find an alternative eatery to make our weekly visits to, one without a rude and disrespectful member of staff. In closing and in balance all the other staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Lorraine and Paul amongst others. There's always one?!🤔 Good luck to the New owners, with her attitude you are certainly going to need it.

Sweeharts well known for quality food and service cake's and bread are wonderful but alas bit disappointed today bought some sausage rolls and was disappointed not their usual high quality looked and tasted like bought in one's not made on the premises not your usual delicious one's these are usually full of lovely sausage meat not today sadly all pastry and very little sausage, Rather disappointed customer.

Wow, absolutely cannot fault the breakfast it was gorgeous and reasonably priced for what we got - I got the salmon and eggs and my friends the avo, eggs and bacon. Both meals were presented beautifully, they were a very good size and most importantly tasted delicious! The only thing that let us down was the service, although the staff were really friendly we spent lots of time waiting, it wasn’t very busy but after being stood for ages with no acknowledgment we seated ourselves and asked for menus, we then waited 15 mins for someone to take our order, 10 mins to get our drinks (water and pop) then waited for some time again for our food. I would however visit again in the hope that this is something that can be improved on.

You can’t knock the cakes, scones and coffee in here but just been in and had a ham and cheese toastie which was really dry with not much filling services with cold, limp chips, especially as it costs £8. Coffee and custard tart were excellent. One final comment is whilst the service was friendly and quick enough the team need to wear clean uniforms for service as it looked like she’d been dragged through hedge backwards with stains on tee-shirts.

Best breakfast round. Amazing quality food, kind servers, good cake/sweet treat chouce and a lovely little cafe to visit overall.

Appalling service. Had to wait ages for the menu, then for someone to take the order. Three quarters of an hour wait for two lunches to come out, a further 15 minutes for the third lunch. Our hot drinks were long gone before the food arrived. The wrap was two tiny bits on a plate and a small dollop of coleslaw which to be fair was very tasty. The wrap was ‘bland’. Indonesian sauce usually has a bit of kick to it. And my partner had a breakfast with scrambled egg. She had ordered poached egg but thought it pointless complaining and having to wait again. Can honestly say I have never tasted anything like the scrambled egg, it was disgusting, I don’t know what was in it but it certainly wasn’t eggs and milk. How can you go wrong making scrambled egg…… Have been three times before and found this place ok, never great. I will certainly not be going back again.

Staff are amazing, they are friendly and attentive. Love having little chats with them whilst I visit. I come here a lot… food and drinks have always been delicious and there’s a huge choice for those who are fussy eaters. Prices have increased slightly but I work in hospitality and every single ingredient/food items have all gone up so I completely appreciate the reason for this. So much dessert choice! Love the fresh bread too

We were staying in the flat above the bakery and had a couple of meals in the cafe. The staff were so friendly and helpful, the food and drinks were first class, the cakes so mouthwatering, the meals incredibly tasty and not at all expensive. If you are in the area then this is a little gem not to be missed, I really cannot praise everything about the bakery highly enough.

We visited for a breakfast treat, the menu has a varied amount to try so we opted for pancakes and a healthy breakfast for me. The pricing is a bit over the top for the quality and no enough attention is paid to the taste unfortunately ,over £9 for pancakes with fatty bacon and very little maple syrup which made them very dry. They really need to adjust the pricing as this type of place does not justify the expense. Service was slow at that time and there was only 1 other table waiting on food to arrive. Peach melba was big but to my disappointment only contained a very small piece of peach inside. We were not impressed at all. And to top that I sat and watched a member of staff constantly rubbing his eyes and mouth while standing behind the counter. Not very encouraging when you sit and watch that then being served. We will not visit again.

Went for afternoon tea for my birthday. Very impressed with the amount of food, (sandwiches, quiche, scone, many cakes). Got a takeaway box as we couldn't eat it all! You can have tea or coffee and tea served in a teapot was enough for 2 cups. Desserts were delicious, my favourite was the egg custard slice. You need to pre book in advance and I was impressed with how quickly we were served despite being quite busy. Staff were friendly and lovely atmosphere. Will definitely return.

Popped into sweethearts for a quick cup of hot mint chocolate absolutely delicious. Very friendly staff cracking atmosphere. May I point out that the customer relations is above and beyond never have I seen any staff any where offer to take a 83year old lady home in her car.

After Months of My Daughter wanting to take Me for Breakfast at Sweethearts We finally found time around our Work schedules. Booked for 10.30 arriving at 10.25 I was excited to spend quality time with My Daughter only to be delivered a Disaster of events....

I booked afternoon tea for my 50th birthday weeks in advance. I found out later totally by chance that the restaurant is actually closed that week. No one called to let me know & when I called to check they confirmed they have my booking...

Pleased to be back to this excellent dining place family dinner outing first time in just over a year food was excellent again staff are happy and helpful will be back again soon 5,stars all round.

Called yesterday for coffee and hot beef sandwich we both had the same and were both excellent service was a little slow but we were not in a rush staff were pleasant nice place for coffee good find

Unfortunately due to this covid 19 today was a take away had pulled pork sandwich-chips thick pork gravy,now we are stuffed well done staff keep it going,(Mr,Hart should be proud of his staff,5star's) we will have our cake for tea.

Visited here for an Afternoon Tea with my Mam and Dad having read some great reviews on here and wasn’t disappointed. The tea was varied with loads of different sweet and savoury treats and every element was absolutely delicious. The service was also very good...

Service & food is always amazing! Definitely, would recommend the full english breakfast, with a pot of the English breakfast tea. Cakes and homemade bread are always fresh and taste lovely. Well worth a visit :)

Called in for lunch on the recommendation from Rock and roll campers. What a brilliant place. Mains were delicious. Cakes divine. Staff were lovely. Totally recommend it xxx

This is a lovely coffee shop highlighting their superb range of baked goods. There is a good selection of cakes and snacks at very competitive prices. The welcome is very friendly and treat yourslef and take home a loaf from their wide range of loaves...

Amazing cafe always great service and excellent food! Cakes are amazing and option to take away is great too.

We had lunch with family on a trip from Belfast.I have gluten intolerance but was able to have the Pease pudding and ham toastie and the gluten free toast was lovely.we took away some cheesecake and a gluten free cupcake which had incredible texture and...

Amazing like being at Bills in Brighton. Small breakfast (pic below) incredibly tasty. Staff very friendly, attentive and knowledgable. Also had a Bakewell which was superb. Can't recommend this place enough. One very small point portion of tea large and use loose tea but no...

Having shopped at the bakeries market store we were encouraged to try their cafe/bakery in Blackhill. We were delighted and very surprised at the generous full breakfast and the great quality of the food. Jayne and Lindsey were very friendly and helpful and having eaten...

We celebrated our wedding with afternoon tea on Sunday at Sweetharts. Mark and his team catered for over 50 people with expert care and attention. Our guests, who had travelled from all over the UK, commented on the quality of the food and the attention...

called in for first time after being told about the cakes. cake is my thing, as my slimming world consultant can testify to this, took two pieces home for myself and hubby. red velvet and carrot cake. wish i had not told him then i...

Visited today food in cafe well cooked and very tasty.Went to pay at bakery picked up a packet of stotties decided to take cakes home looking at cakes was about to ask for a peach Melba 3 on tray in cabinet older lady rushed over past young girl who was serving me and muttered about someone usually comes in on a Saturday and she would keep them for her so I asked where they all gone the young girl looked very embarrassed and said sorry.I think customers who are at the counter should be served instead of keeping items for people who might come in .Older lady should go on a customer care course as all of the young staff where very efficient.Food 5star .However will not return.

Food ok, nice atmosphere, they say if the chef looks well fed the food must be good!! It certainly hits the spot, calm relaxing and enjoyable.

Thank you for the delicious desserts (raspberry chocolate cheerios cake and carrot cake) you made for my hen do.

Popped in with kids for an Easter treat. No one to greet us so we found ourselves the one clean table, rest of the empty tables were stacked high with dirty dishes. We waited over ten minutes then for someone to come and take our order. Service wasn’t friendly or professional (the younger girl who was working there was far, far better than the older woman). I was made to feel like I was imposing by asking for cream with my treacle tart. Surely it should come with this anyway.

¡Food and service fantastic! Sweetharts is known for its cakes but we're both dieting so we came for savoury. Theres lots of choice, all day breakfast including vegetarian options, sandwiches, paninis (in Sweetharts' own panini) and salads, so Ali had a panini and i had a salad.

This is an excellent bakery. Great cakes and bread. I thought I would visit for a full breakfast. Arguably the worst I’ve ever had. Greasy, salty and poor quality. Needless to say it was left virtually untouched. On the plus side the service was good and friendly and the coffee was perfect. Will still use the bakery but on this visit I was disappointed and to be honest surprised at the English breakfast.

Me and my friend come for my birthday breakfast. staff were very friendly made very welcome the food was fantastic best eggy bread I have ever had would really recommend

Popped in with friends for coffee one afternoon. There were a few people in. Service was excellent! Paul is so good at taking orders. Coffee and cake, wonderful!! Lots of people came in just after us, to takeaway bread, cakes etc. The queue was nearly out the door! Can't fault this place and will definitely be back.

We had called to confirm our booking that we made online, spoke to a staff member who confirmed they would see us that night. Had rung just to be sure they had it. When we arrived they said we had no booking in place for that night and they were full so there’s nothing to do and we have to leave (there were about 5 empty tables..) we felt very unaccommadated for and rushed out the door with absolutely no attempt to remedy the staff error. As a group of four having a Christmas meal out being left outside to find other arrangements when we thought it was in safe hands we were extremely disappointed with the service. We were regular customers but haven’t gone since.

Seems that my last review has been deleted but adding again now ... following a family party of 18 guests the service was very poor, food was cold and some only got desrts after some of party left which was 4th time of reminding staff of the requirement. To cap it all the bill was overcharged by £80 as deposit wasn't deducted and manager couldn't work till to refund.... 1 week on and still waiting resolve

Visited this little gem of a place on Friday night, when I arrived the place was full, not an empty chair in sight, music was great and staff were on the ball although very busy, I never had to ask for a drink very attentive, my food was amazing, I even got a sneaky Christmas pudding for dessert, which was top notch, keep up the good work, great food and fab staff xx

With a party of 18 the room we were put in was very small for the sze of group. Although the waitresses we very pleasant the service an some of he food was very poor. Main course meals were still being brought out when others had finished. Some food was served cold which had to be re heated. Some desserts were brought to the table after some guests had left in ordered taxis. The final straw was he overcharge of £80 deposit which hadn't been deducted from the final bill and the manager couldn't rectify as she didn't know how to work the till.

A group of us had afternoon tea this weekend. Whilst the food was beautiful ( egg custard tart truly amazing ). We were disappointment to be charged for additional tea/ coffee. I have had numerous afternoon teas and all have included as much tea/ coffee as you require.

Vegetarian breakfast poor.Wouldnt want it again.Veg sausage lumpy and veg bacon unpleasant.Need to have more veggie options disappointing.

Food is lovely also do fresh bread and cakes, takeouts. Well worth a visit, staff can’t do enough for yoy

Excellent in every way. Great variety of vegetables, ample amount of meat which was cooked to perfection. Could not fault it at all. Will certainly be back

First time I have been and ordered a hot beef sandwich with fries and a berry smoothie my wife ordered a ham and cheese panini with hot chocolate and I have to say it was outstanding the best beef sandwich I have had the meat was soft and tender the gravy was rich and tasty my wife also say her was so tasty I would highly recommend sweetheart I will be returning again

Really good food & coffee. Good music / ambience and gluten free / vege options so easy for everyone

Very pleasantly surprised to find this small independent shop which serves teas and coffees along with excellent cakes and breads also has an excellent small restaurant/ bistro. They have an interesting and varied menu, and from what we had they clearly use very good produce and cook it very well and with imagination. Delicious.

Went for Sunday lunch pleased we booked our table the place was bouncing no sooner was a table vacant it was filled,WE had a fantastic lunch the food was excellent and hot when it came to our table the staff were very friendly and helpful Sunday lunch enjoyed by all,(how anyone can give negative result about this place is beyond me)(just must be after a discount or a free feed)

great place for lunch ,have been going since it opened and fails to please like the wraps , and the specials ,the fish and chips are always good. always busy some times you have to wait but its worth it If its your first time don't forget the award winning cakes they are something else

First visit and tried the Baby full English. There was nothing baby about it. Very good value for money, freshly made with excellent ingredients and served with a smile.

Went for afternoon tea to celebrate an 80th birthday and we were all quite disappointed, love going to Sweetharts for their Sunday lunches and at other times but wouldn't have afternoon tea again...

As new parents to our 2nd child we managed a quickly and early doors meal at sweetharts last weekend just the two of us. The portion sizes were massive so excellent value for money. Friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere.

We've been to Sweetharts many times before but this was our first experience of afternoon tea - what a treat! A perfect mix of sandwiches, quiche and many sweet treats which were all perfect. Such a delight and brilliant value.

We have visited sweethearts on an evening maybe a dozen times in the last year, the food is always excellent! the only downside is that after a recent menu change the fantastic baked alaska is no longer on there dessert list.

The food was lovely and the staff were very pleasant and friendly! Will definitely return again for more delicious food!

I ordered a birthday cake for my mam and it was delicious also it was wheat,diary and gluten free. hands down the best cake shop around! My boyfriend always orders the chocolate orange tart which is amazing, The staff are lovely and helpful always smiling.

On our most recent visit for Sunday lunch we felt the quality had gone downhill a bit, the meat in particular was a bit chewy (beef) and fatty (pork).

I hate writing a wishy washy review but I left after our 2nd visit feeling a bit meh!

Really enjoyed the food, we had afternoon tea and the cakes and sandwiches were delicious! The only things letting it down were a few minor details like using margarine on the sandwiches (a bit too much as-well) no forks or spoon on the table - there was a quiche and a cheesecake in a shot glass which would be quite difficult to eat without a fork/spoon. We were seated upstairs which was fine nice room and clean although service was lacking I had to go down to ask for cutlery and we weren’t checked on during our afternoon tea just brought drinks and food and left to it. Overall a lovely afternoon just staff need to be more attentive, food was great.

Having followed this place for a while on Facebook we decided to call in for breakfast. Parking is easy and just across the street and a surprisingly large cafe area downstairs with a bakery to the side as you walk in. We ordered a full breakfast and a baby breakfast and the food was great. I had a decaf latte with hazelnut shot which was so tasty I ordered a second! The menu was plentiful and there genuinely seemed to be something for everyone! The staff were attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back and look forward to trying out the bistro too!

Lovely addition to town. Bread is really nice. Deserts a little on the expensive side. Nice attentive staff

Well another fantastic meal at this fine establishment,the staff were very friendly as usual,the food fantastic as ever,Sunday lunch out of this world one word sums it up(GREAT),keep up the great work,well done.

A brilliant cooked breakfast at a very reasonable price. Friendly staff and good service. I just wish I'd had space for the delicious-looking cakes on display! The bread looked tasty too. I'll definitely be back another time for those!

Popped in and got a take out ploughman's. It consisted of a granary bun, a few salad leaves, 2 slices of apple, 2 slices of tomato and a wafer thin slice of cheese. Not what I would expect for £3.50. A good quality cheese would be the minimum expectation. Grrrrr, I hate being disappointed with food.

had high hopes and had wanted to try this cafe for ages. sadly whilst the scone and coffee I had were nice they were nothing spectacular. The cakes looked nice, but I had thought everything was baked on the premises? I may be wrong but they looked way too perfect and compared to other coffee shops in the are the portion sizes were a bit on the small side. my main gripe was no prices displayed on the baked goods, pies, pasties etc. I would certainly advise you ask before you buy as they are really pricey...and unfortunately again were only average,

We went for an evening meal and it was delicious. Due to weather there was only two girls serving, they did a splendid job making sure everyone was attended too and kept up the high level of customer service. We will definitely return and recommend...

I have always been a fan of this cafe. But not today. When we sat at our table the cafe...

Me, my partner and my friends ( another couple ) visited Sweetharts on valentines day for the set menu. We...

The appearance of the afternoon tea is wonderful, the selection was broad and I enjoyed trying the foods, although there...

2 Full English, anemic sausage that was cooked but only just ! Raw mushrooms that were hard to the core...

Not the first time we have been here and each time has been lovely... the staff are great and very knowledgeable about all of the food. Prices are extremely fair and the food is always of the highest standard and as there is a connecting bakery you can take anything you fancy home with you (the egg custard is AMAZING). Today we had a small full English (mainly local produce) and the steak pie and mash was gorgeous!

Five of us went to Sweethearts for lunch between Xmas and New Year. It was busy and although our meals took a little while to arrive, they were worth the wait. Soup was lovely, eggs benedict cooked perfectly, very generous sandwiches made with chunky bread. We also bought some bread to take home and it delicious. Definitely recommend and we will return.

I visited sweetharts today. It took us ages to be served. We then ordered a lemonade and Pepsi they came...both pops where FLAT.

We ate here tonight for the Burger and Pint for a tenner. The food was delicious and was well presented. The staff were very helpful and pleasant. The whole night with drinks was very good value for money and the 80’s music was well received.

My Son decided he wanted to celebrate his birthday here as its one of our favourite places for food and as usual didn't disappoint, the food was fantastic I had the Gluten Free pizza and was one of the best I've tested. The staff are very friendly and always do their best to make sure everything you have a good evening. Ordered a birthday cake from Mark and all I can say is OMG IT WAS LUSH!

Lovely restaurant but the service was far too slow. The girls were more intent on serving the larger tables than attnding to peoples individual needs (not that I was demanding). There was farr too much time between main course and drinks refill / puddings. The Pizza and pasta by the way was lovely and reasonably priced at £5 each. I had a pint of John Smiths which was around £3.30 and the puddings are absolutely to die for. I finished with a mint crunch but took it home as I was unable to finish it. Toilets are lovely and clean and the whole meal for 2 came to around £25.

We have eaten dinner here and a family Sunday lunch recently, both experiences were very good. The menu is compact but varied, with unusual signature dishes and interesting specials making it something a bit different. The Sunday lunch was excellent, huge portions of juicy meat and good vegetable accompaniments, and excellent value for money. The staff are great and luckily for the place they've managed to secure the services of an excellent, former employee of the derwent walk, who understands what professional hospitality means. Wine choices by the glass could include a few more options. The decor is neat and bright although the 'diner' themed pictures, colours and lighting are more suited to the day time and leaves a little bit of ambience lacking for evening dinner, which is something I'm sure could be easily remedied with some mood lighting and a few easy evening decor adjustments. Desert and cakes although not my thing were the source of much praise by the others in the party. Very glad we tried this place and if you live anywhere in the local area it would be criminal not to give it a try. We look forward to many happy returns.

Since the place opened in Derwent Street we have used it regularly, though often limited by inability to get a seat. We were delighted at their move to larger premises on Durham Road and the additional seating this provided. However, although we continue to buy bread and cakes to take out, after numerous instances of disappointing service we have reluctantly given up attempts to have a trouble free meal sitting in the cafe. On one occasion we were totally ignored whilst customers arriving later were served. I finally managed to get some toasted tea cake which I had to return because it was burned and should never have been served. A replacement eventually arrived which I had finished before my partner was presented with the sandwich he had ordered. Coffee is not very hot when served but is cold to tepid before food arrives. On the last occasion we ordered club sandwiches plus tea and coffee. Drinks arrived fairly promptly and a long 50 minutes later the food came. There was no apology or explanation. I asked for a replacement coffee as the original by then was undrinkable and was told I would have to pay for it. The waitress said that the drinks preparation and sale of food which is ready to eat is not synchronised with food preparation in the kitchen and if I had wanted to drink whilst eating I should have informed them when ordering. How is the customer meant to know this? This is not acceptable in a professional business and needs to be addressed. It is a real shame because otherwise the place has been such a welcome addition to the area.

My Mam brought some cakes home from Sweetharts at the weekend and, as always, they were AMAZING! The first time I was there was with a friend for a cuppa and cake and it was lovely, the only negative I can ever think of is that the slice of orange brownie was too big! (Which isn't really a bad thing)

Dined here last night. What can I say. Got to be the best meal we’ve had for a long time. We’ll definitely be back soon. And it’s true what they say- the egg custard tart is out of this world

Had takeaway pizzas on the Thursday night special of £5 per pizza. I normally struggle as need gluten free food. Ordered the gluten free chicken fajitas pizza. Its was the best pizza I've ever had and even doubted it was gluten free as tasted so good!!! My son enjoyed his magherita too. Would definitely recommend the pizzas.

We have just had our Blackhill Breakfast.A well prepared meal with a hot latte.Staff make you very welcome,

Poor selection of food for a couple of ladies interested in a coffee and cake. Unfortunately we also experienced disinterested staff.

Called in at 13:30 as the food looked good. Pity we never got to try it. Ordered a hot meal and a scone with a coffee and tea. Drinks came but after waiting 20 minutes for the food we were told they had forgotten it. A half hearted apology was offered. As we were time constrained we could not afford another wait for food. The cost of the meals were refunded but not the cold coffee and tea which cost nearly £5!! A very poor experience considering they were not busy. Customer service virtually non existent.

Me and my husband have been here a couple of times and it's well worth the visit . Lovely food , and the staff are so friendly and nothing is a bother to them . We also bought cakes and bread from the shop inside the cafe to bring home . I can highly recommend this coffee shop / restaurant.

The cake was excellent. The organisation needs improving. I had researched this place online, it was said to be good. We had intended to arrive on Sunday for some lunch it was listed as closed on Sundays on Trip adviser??? as we rode by I spotted it was open. Having locked the bikes up and faffed around doing all the sorts of things you have to on a big bike ride. we got in the cafe only to find out that all they did was Sunday dinners. This was not advertised on Trip adviser. Fortunately, we were treated to some excellent cakes and pretty reasonable coffee. Please get your listings sorted out so others are not messed about like us.

We pre booked afternoon tea for 4 people, however on the day a 5th person had decided to join us, when we arrived it was quite busy and very noisy. Due to the layout of the cafe, the table which was allocated to us could only sit 4, however a group of 4 were leaving a slightly bigger area so we were able to all fit in by moving a table for 2 over. We were asked quite quickly what we would like to eat and told them we had booked afternoon tea, the 5th person does not like afternoon tea so decided to choose from the menu, he chose pancakes with bacon from the menu entitled 'all day breakfast', but was told that breakfasts finish at 12.00pm so had to pick something else so chose a cheese and ham toastie. The tea arrived in separate tea pots then 10 minutes later the waitress told us that the toastie was not ready but would we like the afternoon tea served, we had waited for a some time so told her yes. She brought out 3 cake stands with 3 small sandwiches, a couple of sticks of cheese, 4 grapes, those very small cheddar crackers that come out of lunch box sized packets, the smallest scone I've ever seen, a trifle, a brownie, key lime pie and a slice of quiche. The stands were plonked on the table, there was no explanation of what the types of sandwiches were, no plates, knives, napkins, nothing to eat off. When she returned with the toastie I asked her if these stands were for 1 individual person or we were meant to share 3 between 4 people. She asked if any of the items had been doubled up, if she had looked she would have quickly seen that there hadn't. She offered to find out where the 4th stand had gone to but by that time had waited long enough and I told her not to bother and we would share what was there. There was no apology and she seemed to take great pride in telling me that we wouldn't be charged for a 4th tea! When we had finished we asked if the items which were un-eaten could be boxed so that we could take them home. There were 3 trifles, 2 scones, a slice of quiche and a few cakes left over. The waitress said she would bing some boxes, then a waiter came over and started taking the cake stands away, we told him that we were waiting for boxes to arrive, he asked us which items we wished to take, we told him we'd take what was left over. He continued to take the stands away and returned with several small boxes. When we got home we noticed that several items had not been packed up, in particular the 3 trifles and scones. In all the time we were in the cafe no one asked if we were enjoying the meal, I had to source the plates, cutlery etc. despite the long wait between tea being served and the food arriving, there were no offers of tea top ups. In all it wasn't a pleasant experience, I've had afternoon teas at various establishments and in my opinion this is the worst.

What a lovely cafe tucked away and well worth the travel (crawcrook). Eggs Benedict are the best I have ever had. Lovely staff and nice atmosphere

I recommended cafe to a friend but was a bit disappointed, Great food as always however service to take order was a bit slow and when we asked if there were vegetables with the steak pie - we were told we had to have asked for them when ordering (they were listed on the menu) no offer was made to bring any-making the £8.50 price a bit steep! The toastie and jacket potato were however really filling and well priced.

If you and your friends are in the Consett, Co. Durham area please go and try Sweethart Coffee and Cake cafe, Blackhill. The atmosphere is lovely. The food is excellent and good value and their award winning egg custard tart. Dorothy Holywell, Northumberland.

Been here on several occasions and really can't fault the food or service. Can wait a little at busy times but worth the wait.

never had bad visit yet yummy! Cakes are delicious and the breakfast are amazing, I have had the salads sandwiches and etc always delicious

My daughter in law and I decided to take the girls for a milkshake and cake for a treat as well as treating ourselves. The girls are only 2 and 4. We arrived with only 30 mins to closing but the staff were very helpful and accommodating. They even made up smaller portions for the girls. The only slight complaint I had was my coffee wasn't very hot. But I still drank it. There is street parking outside but it's only for 40mins. However there is a car park across a busy main road that is easily accessible using the crossing.

Perfect place to stop off for afternoon tea, all bakery is freshly made on the premises and other items are locally sourced, good prompt service always with a smile.

We have always been a fan of the original hidden gemGreat place! So glad to see it gain more popularity

well here we are again trying out another food night tonight its pasta n pizza nightand boy we were not disappointed we all went for pizza and guess what we couldn't eat all of it ,these were huge so if you decide to go make sure your very hungry,but if like us you fail just box what you have left and bring home,another mealfor tea.can`t forget the staff very friendly and polite will take time out to talk to you,

6 of us visited Sweetharts on Friday evening, food was delicious and staff were very attentive without being over the top. Nothing was to much trouble. Definitely will return.

This Cafe was recommended to us on our recent stay in Shotley Bridge. I ordered a sandwich on brown bread which came with white. My wife ordered a portion of chips with her Omelette some of which were inedible as they were thin and hard.I ordered a small and a large Americano and was brought two small. I think that some of the staff were just not on the ball as it were. We should perhaps have said something to them but we didn't and I have to admit my Sandwich and the Omelette were fine.